Legal Definitions - survivors benefits

Survivors benefits are a type of financial assistance provided by the Social SecurityAdministration to the surviving spouse and dependents of a deceased worker who was eligible for Social Security benefits. This benefit is paid out in the form of a sum of money.

The beneficiaries of survivors benefits include widows, widowers, children, and dependent parents. The amount of the benefit is determined by the average lifetime earnings of the deceased worker and a portion of the taxes paid by the worker to the Social Security Administration is used to fund the benefit.

For example, if a worker who was eligible for Social Security benefits passes away, their spouse and children may be eligible to receive survivors benefits. The amount of the benefit will depend on the worker's average lifetime earnings.

In order to receive survivors benefits, an application must be submitted to the Social Security Administration. The SSA Survivors Benefits page provides additional information on how to apply for this benefit.